California Ag Network

Tag: Rodale Institute

  • Leader in Regenerative Organic Ag Named One of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies

    Rodale Institute, global leader in regenerative organic agriculture, is honored to announce its inclusion in Fast Company’s prestigious list of the world’s Most Innovative Companies for 2025. Joining the ranks of last year’s winners including Microsoft, OpenAI and YouTube, the annual list recognizes organizations shaping the future through bold ideas, groundbreaking research and measurable impact. This year’s list shines a spotlight on those shaping their industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy.

    Rodale Institute continues pioneering work in regenerative organic agriculture through scientific research, farmer training and education that demonstrates how agriculture can be a powerful solution to climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity. As the birthplace of the modern Organic movement, Rodale Institute is filling the massive void of American land-grant institutions by revolutionizing farming and aiming to fix what is broken in our food system.

    “Innovation is at the core of Rodale Institute’s mission,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. “For more than 77 years, we have been leading the charge in regenerative organic farming and proving that agriculture can heal people and the planet. Being recognized as one of the world’s most innovative companies affirms that our work is shaping the future of food and farming, offering real solutions to the global climate crisis while ensuring healthy, nutrient-dense food systems for people across the U.S. and beyond.”
    Through its 40-year Farming Systems Trial, farmer consulting and educational programs, Rodale Institute has equipped thousands of farmers across the country with the knowledge and resources needed to adopt regenerative organic practices. Now, the Institute is expanding its efforts to drive even greater change, laying the foundation to transition one million acres of farmland to regenerative organic agriculture by 2035.

    Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions, highlighting those that are creating meaningful change and setting new benchmarks for excellence in their industries. In conjunction with this award, Rodale Institute’s CEO Jeff Tkach joined the Fast Company Impact Council, an exclusive, invitation-only collective of innovative leaders.

    The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

    “Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”

    For more information about Rodale Institute’s innovative work, visit https://rodaleinstitute.org/. The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com.

    ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE
    Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. The Institute’s groundbreaking science and direct farmer support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over its 77-year history, Rodale Institute has proven that organic farming is not only viable but essential to humanity’s survival. More information can be found at www.rodaleinstitute.org.

    ABOUT FAST COMPANY
    Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.

  • Rodale Institute Partners with California Farmers to Transition to Regenerative Organic Farming

    Rodale Institute, the global leader in regenerative organic agriculture, has received $1M from Holdfast Collective, Patagonia’s non profit shareholder. The grant will serve as a catalyst in funding the Institute’s work providing technical assistance, business planning services, and equipment stipends to historically underserved farmers and ranchers in Ventura County. The California Department of Food and Agriculture will provide an additional $1.5M to total a $2.5M investment as the organization continues to raise funds for these and other critical projects across the country.“These grants allow Rodale Institute to work alongside some of the most innovative and community-minded farmers in America today,” said Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach, “We look forward to collaborating with local growers, nonprofits, institutions, and individuals to build a more healthy and just food system.”The California Organic Center in Camarillo will serve as the hub for demonstrations of regenerative organic practices in Ventura County. Rodale Institute agronomists will be consulting directly with farmers to help with crop selection, marketing coordination, as well as Organic and Regenerative Organic Certifications.

    “Rodale Institute is filling a unique void that universities and agricultural extension offices are not currently providing for farmers who seek to transition to organic and Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) production,” Tkach continued. “Farmers are demanding practical science that improves regenerative organic methods in Ventura County, and Rodale’s campus in Camarillo is a trusted resource. With financial support from the Holdfast Collective and CDFA—coupled with Rodale Institute’s expert guidance and technical assistance—Ventura’s producers will be empowered to successfully adopt organic practices and receive ROC certification.”

    Rodale Institute and Patagonia, owned by Holdfast Collective, share similar values to “Protect our home planet.” Patagonia aims to work to reduce its impact, share solutions, and embrace regenerative practices while partnering with grassroots organizations and frontline communities to restore lands, air, and waters to a state of health.

    “Rodale Institute is peerless,” said Greg Curtis, Holdfast Collective Executive Director. “They’ve just been around and they understand. They’ve got a reputation and a way of showing up that is important for us, because it’s incredibly important for whatever we’re funding to be effective.”

    This investment contributes to Rodale Institute’s mission to accelerate the regenerative organic movement through a unique, holistic approach that spans world-class scientific research, farmer education and training, and technical support for farmers and companies. The project began in June 2024 and will continue until May 2026. To learn more, contact california@rodaleinstitute.org.

    ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE
    Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. The Institute’s groundbreaking science and direct farmer support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over its 77-year history, Rodale Institute has proven that organic farming is not only viable but essential to humanity’s survival.

    ABOUT HOLDFAST COLLECTIVE
    The Holdfast Collective is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that owns 100% of Patagonia’s non-voting stock. The organization is committed to combating the environmental crisis, protecting nature and biodiversity, and supporting thriving communities.

  • Organic Farmers Association Announces Newly Elected Governing Council and Policy Committee

    The Organic Farmers Association is a national membership body of American organic farmers. The Association’s mission is to provide a strong and unified national voice for domestic certified organic producers. Its purpose is to build and support a farmer-led national organic farmer movement and national policy platform by: developing and advocating for policies that benefit organic farmers; strengthening and supporting the capacity of organic farmers and farm organizations; and supporting collaboration and leadership among state, regional and national organic farmer organizations. 
    Members of the Organic Farming Association are represented by a Governing Council, Advisory Committee, and Policy Committee. Recently, new representatives were elected to the Governing Council and Policy Committee for 2019. These representatives will serve 2-year terms, up to 3 consecutive terms (no more than 6 consecutive years). Newly elected members begin their terms at the annual meeting on March 13, 2019 in Washington, D.C.
    2019 Governing Council
    The Council includes 19 members. From each of the six regions, the council includes 2 certified organic farmers and 1 organic farm organization.  In addition, Organic Farmers Association’s fiscal sponsor, Rodale Institute, also has a seat on the council. All Council Members have identical rights and responsibilities, except that only farmer members have the right to vote. The fiscal sponsor, if it has a certified organic farm, also has a vote.
    * = Newly elected
    Farmers (Voting)
    California Farmer Representatives
    *Judith Redmond, Full Belly Farm, Guinda, CA
    Steve Beck, Kings River Produce, Inc., Hanford, CA
    Midwest Region Farmer Representatives
    *Dave Bishop, PrairiErth Farm, Atlanta, IL
    Joannee DeBruhl, Stone Coop Farm, Brighton, MI
    North Central Region Farmer Representatives
    *Mike Kelly, High Meadow Farm, Johnson Creek, WI
    Harriet Behar, Sweet Springs Farm, Spring Valley, WI
    Western Region Farmer Representatives
    *Nathaniel Powell-Palm, Cold Springs Organics, Bozeman, MT
    Jessica Gigot, Harmony Fields, Bow, WA
    Southern Region Farmer Representatives
    Jennifer Taylor, Lola’s Organic Farm, Glenwood, GA
    *Loretta Adderson, Adderson’s Fresh Produce, Keysville, GA
    Northeast Region Farmer Representatives
    David Colson, New Leaf Farm, Durham, ME
    *Maryrose Livingston, Northland Sheep Dairy, Marathon, NY
    Advisory (Non-Voting)
    California Organization Representative
    Phil LaRocca, Chair, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
    Midwest Region Organization Representative
    Renee Hunt, Program Director, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA)
    North Central Region Organization Representative
    *David Perkins, President, Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)
    Western Region Organization Representative
    Becky Weed, Board of Directors, Montana Organic Association (MOA)
    Southern Region Organization Representative
    *Michael Sligh, Program Director, Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA)
    Northeast Region Organization Representative
    *Ed Maltby, Executive Director, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (NODPA)
    Sponsor Seat
    Jeff Tkach, Rodale Institute
    2019 Policy Committee
    The elected Policy Committee is made up of 12 voting certified organic farmer members and six advisory organizational members. Committee members are regionally diverse and reflect the national diversity of organic farms. The Policy Committee will facilitate OFA’s policy platform, created by certified organic farmer members. From its start in the fall of 2016, Organic Farmers Association has been working to build and support a farmer-led national organic farmer movement with a strong voice advocating for organic farmers.
    * = Newly elected
    Farmers (Voting)
    California Region Farmer Representatives
    *Kenneth Kimes, Greensward / New Natives, LLC, Aptos, CA
     Mark McAfee, Organic Pastures, Fresno, CA
    Western Region Farmer Representatives
    *Nate Lewis, Oyster Bay Farm, Olympia, WA
    Pryor Garnett, Garnetts Red Prairie Farm, Sheridan, OR
    North Central Region Farmer Representatives
    *DeEtta Bilek, Tom and DeEtta Bilek Farm, Aldrich, MN
    Harriet Behar, Sweet Springs Farm, Gays Mills, WI
    Midwest Region Farmer Representatives
    *Michael Adsit, Plymouth Orchards, Plymouth, MI
    Hannah Smith-Brubaker, Village Acres Farm & FoodShed, Mifflintown, PA
    Southern Region Farmer Representatives
    *Laura Freeman, Mt. Folly Farm, Winchester, KY
    Jennifer Taylor, Lola’s Organic Farm, Glenwood, GA
    Northeast Region Farmer Representatives
    *Luke Gianforte, Gianforte Farm, Cazenovia, NY
    Dave Chapman, Long Wind Farm, East Thetford, VT
    Advisory (Non-Voting)
    California Region Organization Representative
    David Runsten, Policy Director, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Davis, CA
    Western Region Organization Representative
    *Cara Loriz, Executive Director, Organic Seed Alliance, Missoula, MT
    North Central Region Organization Representative
    Matthew Miller, Policy Committee Member, Iowa Organic Association, Ames, IA
    Midwest Region Organization Representative
    *Mallory Krieger, Farmer Training Program Manager, The Land Connection, Champaign, IL
    Southern Region Organization Representative
    Michael Sligh, Program Director, Rural Advancement Foundation International, Pittsboro, NC
    Northeast Region Organization Representative
    Edward Maltby, Executive Director, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Deerfield, MA
    ABOUT ORGANIC FARMERS ASSOCIATION
    The mission of the Organic Farmers Association, sponsored by Rodale Institute, is to provide a strong and unified national voice for domestic certified organic producers. Its purpose is to build and support a farmer-led national organic farmer movement and national policy platform by: developing and advocating for policies that benefit organic farmers; strengthening and supporting the capacity of organic farmers and farm organizations; and supporting collaboration and leadership among state, regional and national organic farmer organizations. Learn more at OrganicFarmersAssociation.org.